What is it? Keeping to the Windows 7 theme, the latest slate tablet from Fujitsu makes no claims about competing against the iPad and other Android tablets, but rather wants you to know that it’s a “business-class slate PC” aimed at business, health care, government and educational markets. With this in mind, the 1.7-lb. Q550 includes Windows 7, an Intel Atom processor (Z670), 10.1-inch backlit anti-glare display, removable battery (with up to 8 hours of life in its four-cell option), and military standard (810G tested) support for environmental conditions (drop, dust, shock and temperatures). On the security side, the Q550 includes a biometric fingerprint sensor, integrated SmartCard reader slot, full disk encryption and embedded Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support.
Unique features: The display supports a digital pen input (hey, a stylus on a tablet! I remember those!), as well as multi-touch – the device also includes handwriting recognition software, not seen since the pre-iPad days of tablets. The anti-glare screen is nice for workers who need to use a tablet outdoors. Beyond Wi-Fi connections, integrated 3G wireless will be supported in August, Fujitsu says.
Compared to iPad: Fujitsu doesn’t really want me to compare the Q550 to the iPad, but rather wants enterprises and business users to know that there is a slate/tablet with features they need (Windows app support, security features such as disk encryption, biometrics, etc.) In essence, the Q550 will likely be compared to other “enterprise tablets” in the space, such as those from HP or Motion Computing. If you’re looking for a consumer-like tablet that’s like an iPad, look elsewhere.
Bottom line: The Q550 gives companies that are looking to provide tablets for their mobile workers (especially in the health care, education and field worker space) an option away from the iOS and Android tablets of the world, which are clearly aimed at consumer and entertainment purposes. The additional security features offered by the Q550 are nice, but I’m still a little wary of Windows 7 as a tablet operating system.
